<h2>Dyson Daniels Secures $100M Hawks Extension – Three Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Dyson Daniels secures four-year, $100 million contract extension with Atlanta Hawks following breakout NBA season.</p> <p>- &nbsp; The Australian defender led the league in steals with 229, earning the nickname "Great Barrier Thief".</p> <p>- &nbsp; The deal represents exceptional value compared to other rookie extensions, with potential to become a bargain.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Hawks Lock Down Defensive Dynamo Daniels</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Atlanta Hawks have made a shrewd business decision by securing Dyson Daniels contract extension before his value potentially skyrockets further.</p> <p>The 21-year-old Australian has transformed into the NBA's premier perimeter defender, earning the brilliant moniker "Great Barrier Thief" whilst leading the league in steals.</p> <p>Daniels' defensive prowess reached historic levels last season, recording 229 steals - the highest single-season total since Gary Payton managed the feat in 1995-96.</p> <p>Beyond the steals, the Melbourne-born guard also topped the league in deflections, showcasing the disruptive defensive impact that makes him invaluable to Atlanta's system.</p> <p>The Hawks acquired Daniels as part of the trade package that sent Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans, and the move has proven to be a masterstroke. Not only did Daniels claim the NBA's Most Improved Player award, but he's also developed into a cornerstone piece for the franchise's future.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Contract Comparison Reveals Exceptional Value</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When examining Dyson Daniels contract extension alongside other recent rookie deals, the Hawks appear to have secured outstanding value.</p> <p>The $25 million annual average represents a bargain compared to comparable extensions signed over the weekend.</p> <p>Sacramento's Keegan Murray landed a five-year, $140 million extension, whilst Denver's Christian Braun secured five years and $125 million.</p> <p>Daniels' deal matches Braun's annual value whilst coming in significantly below Murray's $28 million per season, despite arguably offering superior defensive impact.</p> <p>The contract structure suggests Atlanta recognised they needed to act quickly before Daniels' market value escalated further.</p> <p>His unique skill set - combining elite defensive disruption with rapidly improving offensive capabilities - represents the modern NBA's most coveted player archetype.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Offensive Growth Adds Extra Value</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Whilst Daniels built his reputation on defensive excellence, his offensive development adds significant upside to the Hawks contract extension.</p> <p>The young Australian has steadily improved his scoring efficiency and playmaking, suggesting the $100 million investment could prove to be a steal if his trajectory continues.</p> <p>ESPN's analysis highlighted Daniels as "a huge success story for Atlanta," emphasising how rare it is to find players who can impact winning through defensive disruption at such an elite level.</p> <p>His ability to generate turnovers and create transition opportunities provides immense value that traditional statistics might undervalue.</p> <p>The contract also reflects the Hawks' commitment to building around young, defensive-minded talent.</p> <p>With Daniels locked up for four years, Atlanta has secured a foundational piece who should remain productive throughout his prime years.</p> <p>For Australian basketball fans and punters tracking NBA futures markets, this extension signals the Hawks' belief in their championship window. Daniels' defensive impact, combined with his improving offensive game, positions him as a potential All-Star candidate whilst providing the Hawks with one of the league's most valuable contracts.</p> <p>The deal officially makes Daniels one of the highest-paid Australian players in NBA history, cementing his status as a genuine star in the world's premier basketball competition.</p> <p>Can Daniels defensive exploits for the Hawks secure him the 2020-26 DPOY after narrowly missing out last season? Check out the NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds for the upcoming season below.</p>